Hi Bloggy Pals!
Katie did a great guest post today! Check it out here: Caila-Made
Caila is a mom, a seamstress, writer, and work out enthusiast! I know you'll enjoy reading her blog too!
Happy Hump Day!
Jess
Tales of two friends, raising families and running through life.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
15. Long. Weeks. and the Bridge to Brews
Last week, as I ran in the dark, I had some "ah ha!" moments. Perhaps it was how wrong the run went. I had to turn home to replace my contacts, I had to turn home again to change shoes (not loving my new shoes...dang). The sunset. My GPS I downloaded to replace my Garmin that I can't find, wasn't working. And it hit me.
I am tired of training. That is not exactly true. It's an emotional statement. But 15 weeks is a l o n g training plan (for a half marathon). It leaves a lot of time for doubt to creep in. For bad runs to start piling up. For life to get in the way.
When I ran the Shamrock 15k a few weeks ago I felt like I was ready to take on the half. But since then my confidence has dwindled. I know it has to do with recovering from being sick and not nailing my training runs but also I think I learned something about myself (don't I always) during this training time.
I chose to train for 15 weeks in part because I was not confidant I would have what it takes to run the half marathon if I trained in less time. This is not true. It use to be, I use to need all the time I could get. But since I started my training with a decent base, 15 weeks is too long. I need to trust my training, give myself the benefit of the doubt, to dream bigger.
My lesson is learned. I need to not approach races and challenges with an attitude of fear. That is self-defeating. And really just lame.
So April's race was Bridge to Brews. I ran it with my husband. He commented on my bad attitude at the beginning of the race. In a nice way, I might add. He was surprised I wasn't more excited. I wasn't aiming for a PR. I just wanted to get it done. Why? Please reread the 5 paragraphs above.
The race started out going up up up and over the Freemont bridge. Immediately I was regretting my slacking on the hill training. I don't think I have even headed towards a hill since the Shamrock. I leaned hard on my music to get me going. It wasn't working. I panted my way through Portland's industrial area. At mile two I was done. Not with the race, but with my bad 'tude. I gave myself a pep talk, told myself to get over the gloom-and-doom frame of mind, and get it done. I started focusing on just completing the mile I was in. Focusing on my form.
We crossed over the Broadway Bridge. It was congested and everyone slowed in the bottleneck. I knew we were close to the last mile. I began to speed up, finally finding my stride. And then three songs saved me.
Super Bass
All I Do Is Win
A-Punk
I sped to the finish line. Finish time 1:00:28 or 9:44 min. miles. Not a PR but still not to shabby for me.
I am tired of training. That is not exactly true. It's an emotional statement. But 15 weeks is a l o n g training plan (for a half marathon). It leaves a lot of time for doubt to creep in. For bad runs to start piling up. For life to get in the way.
When I ran the Shamrock 15k a few weeks ago I felt like I was ready to take on the half. But since then my confidence has dwindled. I know it has to do with recovering from being sick and not nailing my training runs but also I think I learned something about myself (don't I always) during this training time.
I chose to train for 15 weeks in part because I was not confidant I would have what it takes to run the half marathon if I trained in less time. This is not true. It use to be, I use to need all the time I could get. But since I started my training with a decent base, 15 weeks is too long. I need to trust my training, give myself the benefit of the doubt, to dream bigger.
My lesson is learned. I need to not approach races and challenges with an attitude of fear. That is self-defeating. And really just lame.
Bridge to Brews (April race)
It is dawning on me that my 12 in 12 challenge that I started in July 2011 is on its way to being COMPLETE! I have loved loved loved this challenge, and of course am already brainstorming what challenge to go for next in July 2012. Ideas? |
| rolled out of bed 2 minutes before picture was taken, can you tell? |
So April's race was Bridge to Brews. I ran it with my husband. He commented on my bad attitude at the beginning of the race. In a nice way, I might add. He was surprised I wasn't more excited. I wasn't aiming for a PR. I just wanted to get it done. Why? Please reread the 5 paragraphs above.
The race started out going up up up and over the Freemont bridge. Immediately I was regretting my slacking on the hill training. I don't think I have even headed towards a hill since the Shamrock. I leaned hard on my music to get me going. It wasn't working. I panted my way through Portland's industrial area. At mile two I was done. Not with the race, but with my bad 'tude. I gave myself a pep talk, told myself to get over the gloom-and-doom frame of mind, and get it done. I started focusing on just completing the mile I was in. Focusing on my form.
We crossed over the Broadway Bridge. It was congested and everyone slowed in the bottleneck. I knew we were close to the last mile. I began to speed up, finally finding my stride. And then three songs saved me.
Super Bass
All I Do Is Win
A-Punk
I sped to the finish line. Finish time 1:00:28 or 9:44 min. miles. Not a PR but still not to shabby for me.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Week 11 Training
Week Eleven for Jess:(third week of the Get Fresh Challenge)
Week Ten for Jess:(second week of the Get Fresh Challenge)
Mon - Run 2.5 miles easy - Ran 2.58 miles @ 8:33 pace (unexpectedly fast for me)
Tue - 20+ minute walk - made up a little 20 min circuit in my living room
Wed - Run 4 miles - 22 min yoga video
Thu - 20+ min yoga - Ran 4.5 miles
Fri - 20+ min walk - Ran around my house packing
Sat - Run 7 miles - Not at all! Walked around downtown Portland
Sun - 20+ min yoga - Nice hour+ walk downtown and waterfront Portland pushing a stroller
Monday: 2 miles + abs/pushups
Tuesday: Barre 3
Wednesday:Yoga
Thursday: 8 mile(Speed work)
Friday: 2 miles + abs/pushups
Saturday: power walk
Sunday: 9 miles
Total: 21 miles
Week Ten for Jess:(second week of the Get Fresh Challenge)
Monday: 2 miles + abs/pushups Done
Tuesday: yoga Done
Wednesday: Barre 3 Done
Thursday: 7 mile tempo (WU;5 mi@10;CD) Done
Friday: 2 miles + abs/pushups 20 min. speed walk
Saturday: Plan A-Yoga Plan B-power walk Plan B: Power walk
Sunday: 8 miles(bridge to brews)Done
Total: 19 miles
Reflection:
I had an epiphany this week. I have been training for a long time. I am quick, I know. But the light bulb came on when I realized I have had a weird attitude toward my training runs lately. It's hard to keep the momentum up when you are on a 15 week training program. OUCH! Overall, I did everything I needed to this week.Still my confidence and motivation seemed lacking. Oh, well. Let's get after it this week anyway.
Week 11 for Katie:
Mon - Run 3 miles
Tues - Walk 20+ mins
Wed - Yoga video
Thu - Run 4.5 miles
Fri - Walk or workout video
Sat - Run 7.5 miles
Sun - Walk 20 + mins
Reflection on week 10:
Well, this week did not go as well as last week and things got thrown a little bit for a loop, but here's how it went -
Tue - 20+ minute walk - made up a little 20 min circuit in my living room
Wed - Run 4 miles - 22 min yoga video
Thu - 20+ min yoga - Ran 4.5 miles
Fri - 20+ min walk - Ran around my house packing
Sat - Run 7 miles - Not at all! Walked around downtown Portland
Sun - 20+ min yoga - Nice hour+ walk downtown and waterfront Portland pushing a stroller
Like I said, not exactly as planned. I am quite disappointed that I did not get my long run in this week. I ended up planning a last minute trip to Portland with my sisters and with a 2 year old in tow, things are always a little more complicated. However, I had great intentions and packed all my running clothes...but forgot my shoes. What could I do?! Such a bummer. I am determined to stick to the plan this week, so stay tuned!
Get FRESH Challenge - week two!
A little delayed on this blog post, but we are now through week two and into week three of the
We want to know how it's going for you...? What has been the biggest challenge? What has been the greatest reward? Are you truly sticking with it??
Personally, this week did not go as well for me as last week as I had some unexpected (but fun!) travel plans come up and that always makes it a lot harder. And on top of that, I forgot to being my running shoes on my trip. That was disappointing. More update to come on this weeks training blog later today so stay tuned.
Katie
Get FRESH Challenge!
Wow, this challenge is flying by!We want to know how it's going for you...? What has been the biggest challenge? What has been the greatest reward? Are you truly sticking with it??
Personally, this week did not go as well for me as last week as I had some unexpected (but fun!) travel plans come up and that always makes it a lot harder. And on top of that, I forgot to being my running shoes on my trip. That was disappointing. More update to come on this weeks training blog later today so stay tuned.
Katie
Friday, April 13, 2012
MISSING
MISSING
Trusty Garmin 205
Last Seen: on quick 2-miler
Known for inaccurate course timing, leaving awful tan lines, and accompanying one mother runner on long runs.
Suspect:
If any information contact TheMommyMiles ASAP!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Jelly Bean (Virtual) 10k
Last week I decided to sign up for the Jelly Bean Virtual Race. You could do a 5k, 10k, half marathon or a 21k bike ride. My first instinct was to sign up for the 5k because it seemed doable, but I knew I needed the challenge so I signed up for the 10k! The race was meant to take place sometime during the week of April 1-8. So on the morning of Saturday, April 7th, I got up super early, checked the outdoor temp and after reading a 20 on the thermometer, I threw on my shorts and decided it was going to be a treadmill 10k. I had pretty much expected this so was ready to hit the mill!
I admit that I did take a few breathers as I slowed down the speed but would slowly work my way back up and kept a pretty steady pace. I felt pretty good and after I hit the 3 mile mark and knew I was half way there, I knew I could do it. I didn't want to quit or stop and was determined to keep going, this was a good feeling. The running felt pretty comfortable and before I knew it 4...5...6 miles had passed. That last .2 miles seemed longer than expected but it was over before I knew it.
My goal was to come in under an hour and my official time was -- 59:17 (average pace 9:34).
Not my best 10k ever but given my recent struggles, I feel pretty happy with how it went.
Katie
Monday, April 9, 2012
Week 10 Training
Week ten for Jess:(second week of the Get Fresh Challenge)
Week nine for Jess:(first week of the Get Fresh Challenge)
Tuesday: yogaWednesday: Barre 3 DVD Thursday: 7 mile tempo (WU;5 mi@10;CD) Nope, too sick to move
Week 10 for Katie:
Let's see ow organized I can be!
Mon - Run 2.5 miles easy (a recover run from the 10k)
Tue - 20+ minute walk
Wed - Run 4 miles
Thu - 20+ min yoga
Fri - 20+ min walk
Sat - Run 7 miles
Sun - 20+ min yoga
Reflection on last week:
This was my goal--
Run #1 - 3 miles
Run #2- 4 miles
Run #3- The Jelly Bean Virtual 10k
Get Fresh Challenge: walking, yoga (need to go to the library and get some DVDs), Jillian Michaels
This was how my week went--
Mon - 20 min walk
Tue - Ran 3 miles
Wed - 20 min yoga video
Thu - Ran 4 miles (treadmill)
Fri - 25 min yoga video
Sat - Jelly Bean 10k
Sun - 22 min yoga video
I'm not going to lie, I am pretty proud of this week. I faced the Get Fresh Challenge head on and accomplished all my goals for the week. I also was able to open up about my true feelings about running lately and I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me every since. Thanks everyone for their encouraging words. I just hope this week feels just as good!
Monday: 2 miles + abs/pushups
Tuesday: yoga
Wednesday: Barre 3 DVD
Thursday: 7 mile tempo (WU;5 mi@10;CD)
Friday: 2 miles + abs/pushups
Saturday: Plan A-Yoga Plan B-power walk
Sunday: 8 miles (1 mi.warmup;Bridge To Brews 10k; 1 mi. cool down)
Total: 19 miles
Week nine for Jess:(first week of the Get Fresh Challenge)
Monday: 2 miles + abs/pushups Done
Friday: 2 miles + abs/pushups Nope, instead 3.4 easy around the hood
Saturday: Plan A-Yoga Plan B-power walk Nope, gardened w/my mom
Sunday: 9 miles easy Nope, 7 painful miles around the waterfront.
Total: 20 miles Not even close...how about 12.4???
Reflection:
Do you notice something? Yup, those two weeks look an awful lot alike. That's because this week nothing panned out the way I planned. Week nine I was coming off a rest week, so that is basically two weeks that I need to make up for. Hoping my legs feel fresh and I can get it done.
Let's see ow organized I can be!
Mon - Run 2.5 miles easy (a recover run from the 10k)
Tue - 20+ minute walk
Wed - Run 4 miles
Thu - 20+ min yoga
Fri - 20+ min walk
Sat - Run 7 miles
Sun - 20+ min yoga
Reflection on last week:
This was my goal--
Run #1 - 3 miles
Run #2- 4 miles
Run #3- The Jelly Bean Virtual 10k
Get Fresh Challenge: walking, yoga (need to go to the library and get some DVDs), Jillian Michaels
This was how my week went--
Mon - 20 min walk
Tue - Ran 3 miles
Wed - 20 min yoga video
Thu - Ran 4 miles (treadmill)
Fri - 25 min yoga video
Sat - Jelly Bean 10k
Sun - 22 min yoga video
I'm not going to lie, I am pretty proud of this week. I faced the Get Fresh Challenge head on and accomplished all my goals for the week. I also was able to open up about my true feelings about running lately and I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me every since. Thanks everyone for their encouraging words. I just hope this week feels just as good!
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